Monday, 23 June 2014

On Sunday evening I went to see Möngöl Hörde at The Fleece. We got a McDonalds on the way, so I guess I'm not dieting anymore!

The first act was Oxygen Thief again, and they're always really good live. I need to listen to the CDs a whole bunch more before inevitably going to see them again.

We went outside for some air and bumped into Frank Turner! I'm so stoked about meeting him finally. He's super tall, and we have matching dimples!

I wasn't so keen on Palehorse as they were veeeeery shouty, but one of the vocalists was wearing an awesome cat vest.

This sign is like 12 feet in the air?

This was also a good opportunity to take dumb selfies.

And of course a bathroom outfit shot. Wore my Möngöl Hörde shirt (it's a size L as it was all they had left on the site way back when I bought it), wet look cheerleader skirt from Black Milk, and Buffalo boots. Along with Frank Turner and Xtra Mile wristbands, of course! And anti-blister socks coz I'm an old lady.

I also got a photo with Barry from Oxygen Thief when Rob was buying their new album. So awkward but I have to document this awesomeness somehow.

Möngöl Hörde!

I enjoyed myself a lot more this time around as I knew the songs a lot better.

Epic crowd surf. Frank even managed some kind of handstand again one of the venue's poles whilst crowd surfing.

Stillborn Unicorn is still my favourite song from the album. Can't wait to hear it live again at Reading!

Hope they'll release more music and tour more, but that's looking pretty unlikely. It just makes me extra thankful for having tickets to this show.

So as you know, there was a meet at Bristol Zoo last Saturday! It's sort of a Summer tradition here, although I don't think we went last year for some reason.

Here's an outfit shot from outside the train station. My headbow is BTSSB, blouse is Anna House, JSK is Angelic Pretty, and I think the socks and boots are both from Primark. Accessories are from H&M, Accessorize, and second hand bits and bobs. You can see my new failed ombré hair here too (I will post about it once I've toned it).

The first thing we did at the zoo was have our picnic! I had the hugest chunk of red velvet cake, yummm.

Afterwards we saw lots of cute animals. Here's a photo of Sophie feeding a cute and colourful bird.

Photoception.

This little hide was for children only. SCREW THE RULES, I HAVE FRILLS.

Ermahgerd! Fersh!

This lil guy was so adorable.

Afterwards we headed to Boston Tea Party for a catch-up. I had a really yummy smoothie and was to tired to move to go home. Before leaving I stopped at Antonia's with Amelie as she is clearing out all of her stuff to go backpacking around Europe (sounds so exciting!).

Crazy loot from Antonia! I bought the BTSSB tartan dress, magazines, and accessories, but everything else was free. Now to find room for it all! I wish I could have bought more too...

I forgot how tiring meets can be. The heat dehydrated me and between that, a sore toe, and all my bags, I needed to get a lift back from the bus stop. I missed two buses on the way back so it was past 10pm by the time I got home. I'm still recovering! Really looking forward to the next meet already though.

Saturday, 21 June 2014

As it happens, we had a picnic yesterday at the zoo! So while the following may not be the best for this week's Lolita Blog Carnival theme, they were what actually happened ;P I won't be listing a full menu as we all bring a little bit each, so I will share what I made for the occasion!

This is the coord I wore! I was torn between two coords, but I plumped for this one in the end as Sophie was wearing a chocolate print too. The weather was really hot and sunny, so I tried to keep as cool as possible.

For my savoury I cooked up some odd little snacks! I don't actually know what they are, but they tasted good enough.

For sweets, I decided to try out ice cream cone cupcakes! The icing was far too sickly, but I'd definitly try making them again.

Thursday, 19 June 2014

I guess I'm mostly a shopping blog at the moment, huh? But don't worry! I'm quitting Ebay and trying to cut down on my stuff, although it's much easier said than done.

First up, the first half of my Battle Of The Kings Black Milk order is here, and customs free!

Plus another lookbook, which is pretty awesome.

I've loved the Midnight Owl print since forever and I looooove tartan, so nabbing this Purple Tartan vs Midnight Owl Inside Out Dress before it sold out was a dream come true! It did cost £170 (£94), but I think it's worth every penny (although I'm scared to wear things this nice!).

It doesn't come across too well in photos, but the print is absolutely stunning. It's sure to be in the next museum release, so keep an eye out.

I also accidentally bought these Suspender Hosiery for $40(£22.02) as they were in my cart still and I had to rush to check out, but they'll be pretty wearable when the weather gets cooler.

This bunch of stuff was from Ebay. Sadly the shoes are more worn that I had expected, but still acceptable (but gave the soles of my feet sores which my identical pair I bought new didn't!). The shirt needs modifying as it's a mens large, but I'm gonna turn it into a vest, I think. And of course, more BM! I paid too much for this Nylon Vs Death 2 Piece Black & White Swimsuit, but it's a perfect little bikini and the top could be worn casually I guess, so I can't feel too guilty.

Lastly, I went to town with Rob yesterday! This was my outfit (featuring those new creepers). You can see my failed ombré hair a little, it just went gingery brown on the ends.

I ended up buying a second ombré kit, pink dye, and 2 sales skirts from H&M (£4 & £5, + happiness at being sizes XS and 8 hehe).

Aaaaand my yummy lunch of a mexican veggie burger with a pint of cider and black (my first pint in months!).

I'm really torn as there were a couple things in town I really wanted but resisted...do I buy them or not? Hmm!

Saturday, 14 June 2014

If you love Angelic Pretty as much as I do, you've probably been anxiously awaiting this release for months. Information trickled out so slowly that we only discovered the last two colourways when the Tokyo store unexpectedly held a reservation event a few days ago! Carousel prints always seem to be popular, and they're kind of my thing, so I had to get in on this even though I was wanting to leave lolita a little! This one is also reminiscent of Pegasus from Sailor Moon, no?

Online reservation began last night. I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted from this small amount of information, but I figured I'd decide while waiting for the release. And as I accidentally got up for 3am instead of 4am, I had an hour to puzzle over it.

Firstly there is the OP and bonnet set, this being the lavender colourway. This was the set I originally wanted, but the high price was off-putting. I knew I wouldn't wear a bonnet, and I found Romantic Rose Letter to be really bulky, unflattering, and just far too OTT to wear. I do regret not getting this a little as I'd have loved to wear it to a big event and to fawn over it as really this piece IS THE WHOLE COLLECTION but I decided to be 'sensible'. Pah! I love the little details like the neck chain and how it's structured, yet flowing. The chest reminds me of a bat too which helps! The shape of the skirt reminds me of the Romantic Rose Letter special set, and I think it's much nicer than a generic tier.

Next is the tier JSK, this being the pink colourway (reminds me of strawberry milkshake). I love chiffon, but again this looks a tad bulky, and I've never been a fan of tiers splitting the print in this way. The bodice detail is gorgeous, but I decided against this cut as it was most popular so it was sure to sell out quickest, and because Day Dream Carnival looked unflattering on a lot of people despite looking cute on the hanger. The shoulder detail is really adorable though, and reminds me of Juliette et Justine OP sleeves.

This is the skirt in blue. This colour is an odd one to me, being the same as for previous carnival special sets, but I think it works better with this print. I love that AP are trying new waist shapes recently, although I'm not sure how this would look and feel worn. I have a feeling it wouldn't suit everyone, but I like the elegant feel and small military details.

Finally, we get to my decision. The regular JSK in navy. I knew I had to have navy as it is the only colourway that accents the print well (it looks washed out on the pastels, although it's still an adorable combo in every instance). It does look awfully plain next to the other dresses from this series, but I think this will work in its favour in real life as the print is already quite tacky and busy. I love all the negative scalloping as it complements the print well.

I also scooped up a matching headbow, although that chiffon doesn't match my dress! I'm hoping that I can wear my Radiant Candlelight overskirt with the JSK though, so this would match nicely (although I don't think this plan will work as I doubt that the waist bow can be removed and I wouldn't want to cover those nice details). I like that it's off-centre as centre bows look silly when you don't have bangs!

I know a lot of people are hoping for made to order again, but I'm hoping it doesn't happen as it doesn't seem to have sold out quickly enough to warrant it. I thought I'd have blown my chance at the headbow when I kept making mistakes at checkout (including deleting my saved payment details and having to try to figure out how to enter them again!), but somehow I still managed to nab one. I'm pretty sure even the navy skirt was still in stock by morning!

I'm now hoping I don't want any of the accessories in the general release, as it would mean going through all the stress again (and it's probably Glasto weekend that it will be released anyway).

What do you think of this series? Did you get anything? There are still lots of pieces left in pink and lavender and a few in blue, so go snap them up while you can!

Wednesday, 11 June 2014

I really need to stop shopping! My room is a ridiculous hoarder's mess and I need to throw things out, but doing so gives me crazy panic attacks. No choice but try to soldier through it, but it's so hard! My style changes all the time so if I get rid of something I know I'll want it back a few months down the line.

First up is my most recent Black Milk order! Impulse buys as they went limited. The Burned Velvet Sheer Spartans were $90 (£50.35), and they look pretty cool but I have no idea how to wear them as you can see pants through! I'll also have to remove the labels are they show as well haha. Crazy Cat Lady Reversible Skater Dress was $85 (£47.55) and is almost completely sold out now, so I'm glad I took a chance on it. I did get hit with around £30 customs though, which stung.

The print looks so much better in real life! I wore it today as I couldn't wait to give it a go. The new cut made me a little uncomfortable at first as it's cut much lower in the front and I don't really have the chest for it, but I still like it.

Here I am modelling it by a giant kitten in town! All cats, all the time.

This Wet Look Cheerleader Skirt was waiting for me when I got home. I got it on Ebay for £22 and although it's tagged it has white stains on =/ I should be able to clean it up, but the lying seller doesn't seem likely to give me any money back. The cut looks really uneven too, but hopefully I can get wear out of it anyway.

Whilst in town I was finally able to find this lucky cat top in H&M in (hopefully) my size! I also found a reduced Pinkie Pie in Claire's, & Rob treated me to a Pokémon booster and some loose cards in Pink Planet =3 he also bought me a yummy hot chocolate in Costa to make up for the disappointment of BOTH bubble tea shops being closed down.

Lastly, my Y-R-U Qosmos that I ordered from Schuh! They were £55 each and I was supposed to buy one pair, but I couldn't choose. They have 365 day returns, so I figure I can just return them if I never use them. I'm a little disappointed with how they look close up, but it's not like it notices when worn. One shoe has a bump where the logo is stitched on the heel which sucks and will probably cause blisters, but I think it would be too much hassle to try to exchange them =[ other than that they seemed pretty comfy when I tried them on, and fit well considering I have really awkwardly sized feet.

Honestly they don't look right on my tiny feet and stumpy twiggy-ankled legs, but I just love them! Hopefully I can wear them a lot and hopefully my mum won't kill me for buying new things (she will).

I accidentally bought a bunch more things on Ebay, AND have Battle of the Kings Black Milk on the way. Must try really hard to avoid all shopping now -_-

Monday, 9 June 2014

As you probably know, Angelic Pretty no longer ships internationally. Instead, you have to the shipping service called Tenso. All that means is that they give you your own Tenso mailing address. So instead of your items going to the international shipping centre and being shipped, they go to Tenso instead. So really, the process isn't all that different!

Signing up to the new Angelic Pretty website was really difficult as it's all in Japanese. I managed to put my surname and forename the wrong way around and you can't change it!! I also signed up as soon as it went up in the hopes of getting a cute special set, so there weren't guides then! I think it should be easier to work out now. However the website still kinda sucks as the old one was in English and had stock counts and everything. I kinda miss it.

Anywho, I preordered Cosmic Series on May 30th and figured I'd buy the new catalogue & some wristcuffs to match. They got to Tenso on the 5th of June, and arrived with me today on the 9th. Seems pretty speedy to me! However you have to confirm your address on Tenso before they will ship to you (they claim it's Japanese law, and yet they're happy to illegally mark down item value?!), and it seems like they will only ship EMS. Which is annoying as I ended up paying ¥1,500 (only £9, but still) postage when I'd have happily waited longer for cheaper non-tracked post. My Tenso fee was 490yen (£3). Shipping to Tenso was ¥450 (£3).

Yay, pink goodness! This must have been AP's packaging, and it was in a document mailer.

The goods. I love how they always send a carrier bag.

The catalogue was ¥864 (£5). It wasn't really worth that as there aren't many pages, but the photos of the new collections are lovely. It probably helps that I love all of their stuff recently! I wish I could justify buying it all!

These wristcuffs were ¥3,456 (£20). I probably should have bought some in a colour that would match more things, but these were the cutest style I could find. Turns out they're a little big on my wrists, but the quality is much better than for any other wristcuffs I've seen and they're a good match for Radiant Candelight and hopefully won't be too much darker than Cosmic Series (and they'd match Crystal Dream Carnival, but I've no chance of getting my hands on it unless it goes to order production which is unlikely).

Overall I'd say this new system is no different to the old one. You just get a bit more flexibility with shipping than before, and you have to rely on Google Translate a little more!